The Color Purple
By
Alice Walker
Summary and Analysis
Letter 88

Nettie's assumption in Letter 86 that her nephew, Adam, went looking for Tashi in the forest was correct. Adam and Tashi intend to marry. Here, it is profitable to remember back to Harpo's first feelings of love. Adam seems to feel very much as Harpo did long ago, except that Adam is more intelligent and more gentle. Similarly, Tashi's boldness and reluctance to marry Adam are very much like young Sofia's attitude and actions. The difference, however, is that Adam is willing to change for Tashi. Harpo refused to change, even though we know that he loved her. Adam's visit to the mbeles and his scarring his face not only show his deep love for Tashi, but his love and respect for African blackness, as well.